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Local News

United Way Emergency Services Fund Helps Hunter Hospitality House Reopen Safely

Port Huron, MI — United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) announces the granting of funds for Hunter Hospitality House (HHH) through their Emergency Services Fund ~ COVID-19 Relief Aid. 

The grant provided disposable gloves and face masks for HHH’s staff, volunteers, and guests to help them remain as safe as possible from the COVID-19 pandemic.  UWSCC supports the plan HHH has implemented to assure their guests, staff, and volunteers remain healthy while in their homes.

HHH is an Affiliated Organization of UWSCC.  They provide free lodging to adults who have a loved one hospitalized or at a local medical facility like Blue Water Hospice, are experiencing outpatient treatment of their own, or are in need of a place to stay the night before a surgery or medical procedure. They are able to offer their services because of their many volunteers and supporters.

COVID-19 funds cannot be used for individuals seeking financial support at this time. UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources.  Please remember, many organizations have staff working from home and require individuals to leave a phone message.  Visit uwstclair.org/HealthFirst for more household resources.

Salvation Army Family Store Open and Taking Donations

Port Huron, MI — Those of you who spent your quarantine cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics, probably accumulated quite a pile of items ready to donate to charities. If you need a place to take them, the Salvation Army Family Store in Port Huron is ready for your donations.

The Family Store at 729 Howard Street is open from 10 AM – 6 PM each day and takes donations from 10 AM – 5 PM. Items can be dropped off at their drive thru door located behind the store. For safety reasons, they ask that no children be brought to the donation center and that visitors wear masks and observe social distancing.

All donations must be unloaded from your vehicle yourself, as they are limiting contact with their staff. There are also no pick ups available at this time.

Shoppers can follow similar safety measures when shopping inside the store. Staff explained that donations are held in the back for a few days before making their way into the store, and customers will have to load larger items, like furniture, themselves.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Sarnia Transit Reinstates Fares

Sarnia City Council voted to reinstate bus fares, on June 15, 2020. During the Declaration of Emergency, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the standard $3.00 fare will be reduced to $1.50. Passengers are expected to pay every time they board a bus.

To ensure passenger and employee safety, no transfers will be issued to minimize physical interaction. All transit fare prices are listed on the City’s website, along with prorated pass prices for June 2020.

In April 2020, Sarnia Transit began operating a Sunday level bus service from Monday to Saturday. This schedule will continue, and they encourage passengers to physically distance while travelling for essential purposes and discourage non-essential trips.

The modified weekday bus schedule will still begin at 6:30 AM, and evening service will continue to operate. No changes are being made to existing Sunday bus service or start time. Additional information is available online: https://www.sarnia.ca/transit-updates/

St. Clair County 4-H Fair Going Virtual

St. Clair County, MI — For 82 years the St Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair has brought fun, excitement and entertainment to the St Clair County area. Each year the fair attracts over 100,000 people to the event held at Goodells County Park.

The fair will still be held this year, but rather than enjoying the spacious grounds at Goodells County Park, the event will now be held virtually. Young people will still show their projects and animals, have them judged, and livestock will still be sold. Government restrictions have forced this move.

“It was a difficult decision for our board. It certainly saddens us not being able to meet up this year, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair. Our hearts go out to our exhibitors who look forward to the fair as one of the highlights of their year.” said Fair President Rob Usakowski

Governor Whitmer’s Reopening Michigan Plan does not list measurable criteria, which makes it difficult for fairs to assess the likelihood of putting on such events. Combined with the fact that St Clair County is grouped in a region with Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, it was even less likely that the fair could have proceeded as a live event.

“Its been difficult planning for this year. We basically planned for two events, one live and one virtual, while researching every possible means of conducting some sort of hybrid cross between, live and virtual. Our goal is to make the fair the best event possible event for our exhibitors whether its live or virtual. It certainly won’t be the same experience, but we hope to make it as enjoyable as possible” Usakowski added.

The fair has already set its dates for 2021. It will be held July 19-24, 2021.

Barber Shops and Salons Still Closed as Legal Battles Continue

While most stay-at-home orders have been rescinded, and restaurants and pools are allowed to open next week, barbers and hair salons are still shuttered. When asked about opening hair salons and the fact that people are leaving the state to get haircuts, Governor Whitmer defended her decision by explaining that it is “too risky” to open salons.

Whitmer said she is hoping to open hair salons back up before the July 4th holiday. She also suggested Googling how to give yourself a haircut or wearing a ponytail.

After getting his professional license suspended last month and garnering national attention for his defiance of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, Owosso barber Karl Manke has filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. Manke’s attorneys argue that the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling was entered in violation of state Supreme Court Rules, as one of the judges dissented from the decision.

As the political drama plays out and citizen’s hair roots grow out, the U.S. Department of Justice has made an inquiry into allegations of unlawful use of Executive Orders, backing a lawsuit filed by several Michigan businesses who contest the forced disruption of commerce. Whitmer defended her actions saying they are based on data and that the inquiry seeks to undermine the health and safety of Michigan residents.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Standing Together for Injustice March Planned

In response to the death of George Floyd, who died after being pinned to the pavement by Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, last week, several community groups have organized a march against injustice.

At noon on Thursday, the Port Huron branch of the NAACP and SCCORE will be supported by Operation Transformation, Blue Water Area Churches, Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County, S.O.N.S., and the St. Clair County Health Department in a march from the central fire station in Port Huron to the city’s M.O.C. building. The purpose of the march is to unite those who desire to see an end to police brutality and systemic racism which has been particularly devastating to the African American community.

The Port Huron Police Department released a statement from Chief Joseph A. Platzer this week on their Facebook page saying, “The Port Huron Police Department does NOT condone the actions of the officers involved in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We work very hard to build community trust and will continue to partner with our community. We believe in transparency and keeping the lines of communication open.”

The statement also addressed law enforcement’s role in being accountable to the community for their actions by saying, “All complaints received, including use of force, are thoroughly investigated and reviewed. Our policies, tactics, and practices are evaluated on a national and state level to ensure that we are following current law enforcement standards, while providing the best level of service to our community. We take an oath to have the courage to hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions. We do this to be fair, impartial and maintain justice. All officers must have the courage to step up and step in. Anything less will not be tolerated.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand